Community Events Fill Calendar Across Manatee County June 9-15
Residents across Manatee County will have a variety of opportunities to connect with their community, learn new skills, support local causes and enjoy family-friendly entertainment during the week of June 9-15.
On Tuesday, June 9, the City of Bradenton will host a groundbreaking ceremony for its new City Park project at 11:45 a.m. at 1511 Ninth Street West. The event will celebrate the start of construction on the community-focused project, which is designed to provide recreational amenities and public gathering spaces while honoring the city’s history and future growth.
Also on June 9, the Parrish Civic Association and Parrish Area Business Alliance will hold their monthly community meeting at Parrish Community High School’s Media Center. The evening begins with a public forum at 6:30 p.m. featuring Manatee County Emergency Management Public Safety Coordinator Jennifer Rodriguez, who will discuss hurricane preparedness, evacuation planning, emergency supplies and storm recovery. The meeting will also include the presentation of the inaugural Norma Kennedy Scholarship to a 2026 Parrish Community High School graduate.
Nature enthusiasts can begin a summer-long educational series at Palma Sola Botanical Park on June 10. The 2026 Summer Fun Nature Classes will kick off with a beekeeping program led by Master Beekeeper Kevin Lausman from 2 to 3 p.m. Additional classes throughout the summer will cover birding, bonsai, wildlife rescue, botanical journaling, tree biology and more.
Families can enjoy free admission to The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature on June 13 and 14 as part of a special program sponsored by the Rotary Club of Bradenton. Manatee County residents will receive complimentary admission to the museum during the weekend, providing access to exhibits focused on science, nature, history and astronomy.
Sports fans can support local children while enjoying an evening of soccer on June 13. Sarasota Paradise FC will host a fundraising event at Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch beginning at 7:30 p.m. Thirty percent of ticket sales will benefit Manatee Children’s Services and its Child Advocacy Center.
One of the county’s largest events of the weekend returns to the Bradenton Riverwalk on June 13 and 14 when the Fire Charity Fishing Foundation hosts its annual waterfront festival. The free event will feature fishing tournaments, a kids fishing competition, cornhole, live music, food vendors, family activities and a fireworks show scheduled for Saturday evening. Sunday’s activities will include fishing weigh-ins, raffles, auctions and awards presentations.
The week offers a wide range of activities for residents of all ages, from civic engagement and educational programs to outdoor recreation, live entertainment and charitable events. Organizers encourage attendees to check event details before traveling and arrive early for popular activities.